Will her fear of failing prevent her happily-ever-after... Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations by V. Joy Palmer (Review & #Giveaway)



Welcome to my tour stop! Check out my review and the tour giveaway below...

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations
By V. Joy Palmer
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 334 Pages
February 14th 2019 by WhiteFire Publishing

Summary

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she’ll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what’s left of their family’s legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon shes forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother’s renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl’s insane plan. While Apryl claims they’re archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

WEDDINGS, WILLOWS, AND REVISED EXPECTATIONS is a fun-filled, roller-coaster read of friendships, family, romance, and opening one's life to God.

This story was definitely fun! I couldn't help laughing, hysterically in one part (seagulls anyone?). The romance was also toe-curling with plenty of romantic tension (like when you fight with someone because you're trying not to kiss them or think about kissing them). I loved Chance! He was such a saint to put up with so much. I also adored Apryl's grandmother. Courtney and Dallas were also decent characters. I loved the wedding decorating setting - some of those parts were my favorites. The story was entertaining, to say the least. It also had plenty of moments where these characters had to decide where they would put their faith.

There were some things I didn't like as well. Apryl was so angry and rude to Chance and others around her that it made it hard to like her. Plus, I didn't see a reason why she would be so mean to Chance. They were friends at one point until she decided not to be, but was never his girlfriend, he never cheated on her, tried to use her or was mean to her, so it felt completely unfounded. I got her being mad at his dad, but at the same time, two lectures or talks from him didn't feel like it should have had such a strong impact with her sister and grandmother and friends to support and love her and with Chance being completely unaware. It was hard to buy into. If I was Chance or any guy I would have thought she was a crazy, mean woman and steered clear. The flip in POV once in a while was also weird, and it threw me off when I realized it had switched. There is also a mysterious woman who shows up to push Apryl and Chance in the direction they should go, that felt a little weird to me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, I enjoyed reading this. I had some issues, but it's a sweet story, with some hilarious moments, and a swoon-worthy romance.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.

Other Books in the Series

Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations
By V. Joy Palmer
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 300 Pages
June 15th 2016 by WhiteFire Publishing

Summary

Isabel “Izze” Vez, bridal consultant extraordinaire, has been helping brides find The Dress for years. She loves nothing more than helping make wedding dreams come true…but sometimes the happy endings grate on her. How many times can a girl discover someone else’s gown without dreaming of the day it’ll be her turn to wear one?

When James Miles Clayton walks into her life, he represents everything Izze can’t handle: change. He’s determined to bring the Ever After Bridal Boutique into the black…and to prove to Izze that she should give him a chance.

​But if there’s anything Izze handles worse than change, it’s trust. She may have a few issues—fine, she knows she does. But will they keep getting in the way of any chance of her own Happily Ever After? She wants to trust God to give her those dreams of love and lace, but that’s going to require some…minor alterations.

Read my review HERE.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.


Tour Schedule

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, April 27
The Becca Files, April 28
Moments, April 28
Creating Romance, April 30
Emily Yager, May 3

Tour-Wide Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away a grand prize package that includes:
  • a signed copy of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations
  • a signed copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations
  • a Hand-Carved Reading Willow Tree Figurine
  •  a Character-Inspired Locket
  • a Custom Roaring Twenties Book Sleeve from The Cozy Life Etsy Shop
  • an Anne of Green Gables Mug Rug from Bookish Star Designs Etsy Shop
  • and a Chai Latte Soy Candle in a Vintage Mug from Joplin House Cafe

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!



Have you read either of the books in this series? What is your favorite thing about inspirational contemporary romances?

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